Sheldon Adelson Gingrich

Sheldon Adelson Gingrich, Casino executive Sheldon Adelson, a long-time financial backer and friend of Newt Gingrich, has given $5 million to a political action committee supporting the former House speaker’s presidential candidacy, according to a person close to the chairman of the Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS)

The money went to Winning the Future, a so-called super PAC set up to support Gingrich, according to the person, speaking on condition of anonymity. Such committees can take in unlimited donations from corporations, unions and individuals. Adelson has already donated the maximum $2,500 to Gingrich’s presidential campaign, Federal Election Commission records show.

A spokesman for the PAC, John Grimaldi, declined to comment.

“It’s our practice to decline comment on our donors or contributions until such time as required by the FEC,” Grimaldi said in an e-mail.

The funds will help former U.S. House Speaker Gingrich, who trails Republican front-runner Mitt Romney in campaign cash. Through Sept. 30, Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, raised $32.6 million while Gingrich took in $2.9 million.